Inspirations!

It's been minus three today, and with the snow, frost and wind, it would have been a lovely day to have a fire!

Instead, I've been finding inspiration, and buying supplies for my next projects. It's strange the things that inspire you. Especially when it's so gloomy outside!

I love lights. The city lights, fairy lights, candles...today has been pretty dark all day, but when the lights come on, it feels like a different world.

 Spring Weddings!

It's a bit strange to be thinking of the springtime while its so cold and frosty, but now that its February it's only a matter of time until the flowers start to bloom, and the days get warmer!

I love the Spring, and I'm not the only one. Spring weddings are hugely popular, and will definately feature in my future projects. There is some stunning Spring Wedding inspiration to be had, too.

I love the strong contrast in wedding themes, too. On the one side there is pretty flowers, pastel colours and scruffy updos - a romantic feel that is all about the pretty season. On the other, dark lipstick, strong contrasts and a vintage feel which is just stunning. I don't know how I'd choose between them!

Food

Now that the excesses of Christmas are forgotten, and Valentines Day and Easter approach, food is a big topic. From cupcakes (which I've been baking for weeks) to sweets and even three-course meals (tonight we've got roast potatoes, yorkshire puds and beef. Yummy!) its a topic that is on everyone's mind.

I'm definately planning something incorporating the colors and textures of sweets with the art of cake decorating - and afternoon tea is inspiring at the moment, too. 

What colors and trends are you loving? Perhaps you'll inspire my next design!

Read More

Dreamy Red Velvet Cupcakes!

I don't know about you, but I am a big lover of baking - and cupcakes! One of my absolute favourites has to be red velvet. I love the deep colour, and the flavour is just unbeatable...and the satisfaction of serving a slice of red cake to an unsuspecting guest is quite amusing, too.

Here's my favourite red velvet cupcake recipe. Which flavour do you love?

Ingredients

60g unsalted butter. Leave this out, until its room temperature.

150g caster sugar

1 egg

10g cocoa powder

20ml red food colouring. To get that vivid red, opt for Dr Oetker - avoid natural red shades, which won't be as bright.

1/2tsp of vanilla extract

120ml buttermilk

150mg plain flour

1/2tsp bicarbonate of soda

1/2tsp salt

1 1/2tsp white wine vinegar

For the frosting:

125g cold cream cheese

300g icing sugar, sifted.

50g unsalted butter - again, leave it out until its room temperature.

Method:

Turn the oven to 170 degrees C, or gas mark 3.

Put butter and sugar into an electric mixer or bowl, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. 

Add in the egg, and beat again until you have a well-blended mixture.

Mix together cocoa butter, red food coloring and vanilla extract in a seperate bowl. This should blend to form a thick, dark paste.

Add the two mixtures together, bit by bit, mixing well. The coloring should be even all the way through.

Pour in half of the buttermilk, and blend. 

Add half of the flour, and mix again.

Add the remaining buttermilk, mix, then add the remaining flour and mix. This ensures the mixture gets plenty of air, and is well blended.

Add the salt, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to the mixture. It should be smooth and even. 

Give a final mix - just to be safe!

Spoon the mixture into cake cases. This recipe should fill about 12 cases until they are 2/3 full.

Put the cakes in the oven. The mixture usually cooks in about 25 minutes - the sponge should bounce back when pressed. Then you know they are ready.

Take the cupcakes out of the over, and place onto a wire rack to allow them to cool. 

While they cool, you can begin making the topping. 

Beat together the icing sugar and butter to form a smooth mixture. 

Add in the cream cheese, and beat well.

Mix for around five minutes. It needs plenty of mixing, although you don't want to go crazy - stop if the mixture appears to be turning runny.

When the cupcakes are completely cool, spoon the cream cheese frosting onto the top. 

Allow to set for a few minutes, and serve!

Enjoy with a yummy milkshake. Mmmm. I'm off to make some cakes!

xoxo

Read More

Photographing Animals

Today, I'm photographing and listing a pet-themed scrapbook, featuring some supercute buttons! Here's a sneak-peak...

So in the spirit of recording your pet's favourite moments and memories, here's some tips for photographing animals.

1. It's All In The Eyes

Make sure your pet's eyes are in focus when you take the shot. If you miss the eyes, the photograph won't be very good, and blurred eyes are difficult to fix using photo editing software. Using the eyes as a focus point, by making sure they appear in the middle of the photograph and are clear, will help you take better photographs.

2. Use Both Your Eyes

Many people believe they will achieve better photographs if they close one eye to take the shot, but usually this isn't the case. You can catch natural behaviours, such as your dogs chasing each other or birds flying off, if you keep both eyes open and watch what is happening - and more importantly, what is about to happen.

3. Pimp Your Camera

Using a tripod will prevent your camera from shaking, and blurring photgraphs. You can take this one step further by also using a shutter release cable, which stops you needing to touch the camera at all. Just set it up, wait for the perfect photo, and touch the cable. Natural, blur-free photos.

3. Anticipation Is Key

Look out for signs that your pet, or a wild animal you are watching, is going to do something really cute. Whether it's going to eat, coming over to you or playing chase, the best photos are always the ones which were anticipated.

4. Change Your Shutter Speed

Try different methods of taking photographs. For a still image, change your speed to 1/500 or faster, so you can catch the action. If you want to catch movement, such as an animal running for example, change your speed to 1/4 or 1/8 and pan the camera with the animal.

5. Know When To Use Your Flash

Whilst your flashes primary function is to provide lighting when there isn't any, that isn't all it can be used for. Using the flash in the daylight can illuminate shadows and provide more detail to your image. Be aware of where you are photographing though - using the flash is likely to ruin the photo if you are taking it through glass.

6. Practise!

Take photos all the time. Whilst they won't all be candidates for your scrapbook, you'll get some great shots, and learn about your camera at the same time. You might also find that the most unusual photoshoots are the ones which capture your heart, and create the pictures which mean the most.

 

A scrapbook can be the perfect way to show off your favourite photos, whether they are of your pets, wildlife or zoo animals, and make long-lasting memory books too. 

What's your favourite animal picture? Share your links!

xoxo

Read More

Welcome :)

Welcome to the Caja De La Memoria blog!

Here is the place to find out all about my favourite supplies, new ranges and see sneak peaks of upcoming products - as well as general information on all areas of life.

As an introduction, my name is Kati, and I am the creator of all Caja De La Memoria scrapbooks. I've been scrapbooking for several years, and after great success locally, am now offering my products to an International audience.

After spending the days dog-training, I love to relax with a pile of papers, buttons, ribbons, embellishments...There's just something about putting together a design that will help people to remember their absolute favourite memories.

So, stay tuned for more news and information, and don't be afraid to comment and say hi, or suggest your own product themes!

xoxo

Read More